Kerala asks Centre to increase quota for Haj

The first batch of pilgrims from the state will leave for Saudi Arabia to perform Haj pilgrimage early on Sunday.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates the distribution of travel documents for Haj pilgrims from the state at Nedumbassery airport on Saturday.

Kochi: The state government has urged the Centre to increase the Haj quota for the state in view of the huge demand here. “The application for Haj quota from here is higher than most other states. The quota should be apportioned based on demand. This matter has been already brought to the notice of the Centre,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said while inaugurating the Haj camp for pilgrims at the Nedumbassery international airport here.

The first batch of pilgrims from the state will leave for Saudi Arabia to perform Haj pilgrimage early on Sunday. While a total of 1.25 lakh pilgrims from the country is undertaking the pilgrimage, 11,800 pilgrims are travelling from the Nedumbassry airport. “The state is a model when it comes to extending services to Haj pilgrims. This time around, the state has given training to those volunteers who didn’t get training from the Centre. The Health department has ensured adequate preventive medicines are given,” Mr Vijayan said.